Jewish Hip Hop

Walking away from Manhattan, just past the Brooklyn Bridge and authentic pizzerias, you will find a scene of reggae, beat-boxing, hip-hop and urban funk Orthodox Jews. Probably not something your Bubbe would approve of, the revolutionary music movement brings Judaism a new meaning.

Shemspeed is a recording label located in Brooklyn, New York that signs independent artists with Jewish flare. Erez “Diwon” Safar is the mastermind and CEO behind the music.

“The focus with most of the artists on Shemspeed seem to be diversity and unity,” Diwon said. “I think we are breaking stereotypes and opening up peoples mind both in the Jewish and non-Jewish world.”

Voices that have been signed in the past include Kosha Dillz, Smadar Levi, Dov and Yuri Lane. The artists specialize in hip-hop, soul, Middle Eastern, rap, reggae and/or techno. They can be seen at large scale events like the Sephardic Music Festival or at smaller dance club venues in the streets of New York.

“The voice has to be undeniable and urgent. We are looking for the Coltranes of urban music,” Diwon said.

“Pure Soul”

Funk and soul genius DeScribe wasn’t originally a favorite of the primarily Jewish label.

After first being shrugged away by Shemspeed, DeScribe created a new track that left an opening to include Y-Love, one of the few religious hip-hoppers in the New York area. Following DeScribe’s success, he was picked up by the record label.

“Shemspeed is all about signing and working with groups with positive and unifying messages, but with music that is appealing to a wide range. I guess you could call it cross over music,” Diwon said. “We don’t usually sign groups that would only appeal to the Jewish community. There are hard core religious labels that are generally homes to those groups.”

Meeting with the special needs kids changed DeScribe's life and opened his eyes.

In March, DeScribe recorded “Pure Soul” with Matisyahu. He was first approached about making the music video when the CEO of Friendship Circle for MetroWest New Jersey, a Jewish nonprofit organization that helps families with children who have special needs, asked DeScribe to create the organization’s theme song for the year.

Hesitant at first, DeScribe took on the challenge to find a way to make a video about kids with special needs and to put a positive spin on it. After meeting with the kids at a camp, DeScribe explained how it changed his life and opened his eyes.

His song’s angle: To show how genuine kids are.

DeScribe said he wants his listeners, Jews and non-Jews alike, to think and remember that we live in a world where everything is meant for a reason. The music should open the eyes and ears of the listener, and make them perform random acts of kindness.

Regardless of what you believe in, there are different ways of going about kindness, he said. The spiritual meaning behind helping others isn’t enough. Thoughts should evolve into actions.

Peace Through Culture

Eden Pearlstein, aka Eprhyme, made his journey from Olympia, Washington to New York City after a decade of making underground hip-hop music on his own.

At his start, he was part of a group called the Saints of Everyday Failures, a crew of musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds who made conscious underground hip-hop.

“Over the years, I had gotten more interested in my Jewish heritage and in Judaism as a spiritual wisdom tradition,” Eprhyme said. “As time went on, more and more Jewish stories, symbols and teachings were finding their way into my music.”

In 2004, when popular rappers like Matisyahu, Y-Love and DJ Handler, aka Diwon, would bring to life the Jewish music scene, Eprhyme followed Shemspeed’s every move. Two years later, he would go solo to work on his new album called “Waywordwonderwill.”

“I really wanted to make an album that was an extended meditation of contemporary Jewish American identity and experience, particularly from the perspective of a disaffiliated super assimilated west coast Jew.”

Infused with Klezmer beats, Ephryme said that he hopes to spread “peace through culture” in his music by getting people past their fears, baggage and small mindedness.

“My message is primarily about peace and communication and understanding. I have always been very active in interfaith dialogues and bridge building, and I use my music as a way to get those kinds of messages out there,” Eprhyme said.

Haters Will Hate

Some detractors say the influence of rap and hip-hop intermingling with Jewish beliefs and values waters down Judaism. Whereas some musicians focus on the songs lyrics, other musicians draw more attention to the catchy rhythm and beat-boxing sound that can distracts people from understanding the song’s message. And when incorporating rap and hip-hop – music that is typically viewed as not serious, crude and violent – along with trying to get across a deep message, it’s no wonder that these musicians are questioned about how serious they take their music.

Some detractors say the influence of rap and hip-hop intermingling with Jewish beliefs and values waters down Judaism.

“I think keeping genres [hip-hop, rap] in a box, and trying to only allow the group of people who created it, to perform it is a thing of the past,” Diwon said. “I also think that saying only Blacks have a right to perform hip-hop or jazz is a racist way to look at the world and doesn't allow for the natural progression of culture and artistic exchange.”

Matisyahu’s “King Without a Crown” clearly blends his beliefs into the song without hesitation.

“What's this feeling? My love will rip a hole through the ceiling
I give myself to you from the essence of my being
An' I sing to my God, these songs of love an' healing
I want Mashiach now, so it's time we start revealing”

Eprhyme, whose music includes a lot of non-Jewish underground rappers but has a heavy Jewish influence, said that he is not afraid to thinking outside of the box and likes to expand a certain genre than what is expected of it.

When asked the question about the purpose of mixing Jewish messages and hip-hop, Diwon said it comes from a place of love for both.

“Haters will hate, but we aren't making music for them," Diwon said. "We are making music for the positive folks who love life and are seeking meaning and want to enjoy positive music.”

About the Author

Visitor Comments: 22

(17)
Chapter32s,
October 5, 2012 4:24 AM

New song/video called Only the Torah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYwnJyqkEYw&feature=youtu.be

(16)
Daniel,
April 23, 2012 6:20 PM

Jewish Hip Hop in scholarship

The article is very well written and I feel that at times we can blur the line between Jewish Hip Hop and Jews in the Hip Hop scene. These guys are in the formar category but it seems like certain MCs, like Drake, can embrace both sides while being more overtly Jewish than the Beastie Boys. I'm actually writing my dissertation on this subject at the moment, and I'm an Aish alum, and I would like to speak to you more about who you know and if I can speak with them about Jewish Hip Hop and Jews in Hip Hop. I disagree with the last post because there are plenty of wack Israeli MCs and there are plenty of Jewish MCs in the underground who need to be saught out.
Anyway, Kul Tov and keep writing.

(15)
Anonymous,
June 29, 2011 7:03 PM

I love the last paragraph, “Haters will hate, but we aren't making music for them," Diwon said. "We are making music for the positive folks who love life and are seeking meaning and want to enjoy positive music.” The message is positive and promotes love and good will instead of hatred and strife. We weren't created to hate, but to love, by the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is great to see Jewish young people that aren't ashamed of their belief in the One True G-d of Israel. I'm not even Jewish, but I see this music as a great way to bring understanding and unity to fight against the terrible antisemitism arising around the world today.

(14)
Rivke,
June 29, 2011 1:08 AM

Innovation feeds a people

So hip hop is far from 6000 BCE?
so too, are potatoes.
If listening to these artists keeps or returns a Jewish young adult to the fold, is it not good?

(13)
Sandra,
June 28, 2011 8:13 PM

The Blessings of Judaism

A beautiful song that touched my heart deeply and brought tears to my eyes. The music is filled with magnificent poetry, speaking of love, kindness and equality.. ..The blessings of Judaism.

(12)
barbara,
June 28, 2011 6:06 PM

Rapper Ron B from Israel also does great stuff

You should listen to Ron B from Israel. He does good original work. Anyone hear his music? What do you think of Ron B? He used to be with the group, "The Idiots" . Horrible group name. I'm glad Ron B left.

(11)
Rachel,
June 28, 2011 12:34 PM

jewish hip hop is not original

jewish hip hop is just NOT GOOD! i used to be a DJ before i became religious many years ago...i still love music...but these jewish rappers are not making anything worth listening to....it's just not original. who cares if the lyrics are positive? the songs are just not good , and the image seems forced. only matisyahu seems original and i still enjoy his stuff! there are some GREAT original jewish artists here in israel, but the NY scene is just trying too hard and its not working

Tyi,
June 29, 2011 4:11 PM

jewish hip hop

"the songs are just not good"
I admire the facts that Y love, Describe, and the rest are trying to create a more positive image for hip hip, but the songs are really not that great. Some of them are, but most aren't that great. Maybe it's because I'm not much of a hip hop fan anyway, and I've tried to like these artist, but I can't do it. Matisyahu IS really the only one that seems original. In my opinion some of his songs have a meaning to it, and I would much rather listen to him than hear "this is unity" "let's come together now and join hands and sing a song" over and over and over again.

Anonymous,
June 30, 2011 9:31 PM

Have you seen this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxNTjSGtaAM

(10)
eli goldsmith,
June 28, 2011 9:20 AM

Matisyahu is a subject we dont know how to answer but there are good points

Shemspeed for sure needs more guidance in whats the true direction to take , so there will be no claim for hate, just a true outreach program like Aish etc... and will receive Hashem's blessing , until then i pray for them all to wake up!
I wrote a blog u can find on eli pmusic on facebook which discusses and shows more on matisyahu

(9)
Abnezra,
June 28, 2011 2:10 AM

If Jewish hip hop is good or not is not my decision to make, but on account - after following the careers of both "Diwon" and "Y-love" for a few years now I can truthfully say that there is quite a serious liberal/leftist agenda behind it. Y-love is a radical leftist anti-zionist and literally makes no secret of it. "Repping the Religious-left" as he calls it. Despicable.

(8)
Anonymous,
June 27, 2011 11:23 PM

What a disgrace!

Hip hop and rap are definitely alien to what our forefathers stood for. Shame on you! Is it not enough to be Jewish? You want to be both Jewish and Gentile? Anytime a Jew gets too close to a gentile -there will be trouble -trust me!!!

(7)
Nicole,
June 27, 2011 8:03 PM

i tihnk this is fantastic, the more of this that goes one the better. it will make things easier for alot of people. so many people i know dont know a thing about jewish culture or anything. this can really help.

(6)
Monica,
June 27, 2011 5:25 PM

Sorry! But I can't see anything Jewish about rap, hip-hop and the rest

Just numbing your head and senses. What has this to do with Torah Judaism or Jewish music?? It reminds me of Reform--outreaching, they stretched so far they lost their balance and fell into the abyss. How can you condone and support this behaviour? I find this article depressing if this is the future of Orthdoxy.

R. Klempner,
June 29, 2011 2:03 AM

Have you listened to the lyrics?

The lyrics in these songs draw heavily from Pirke Avos, Mishlei, and other holy works of Torah. They are the opposite of gangsta rap. DeScribe sings about love for the briah ("Every single person in this world is a gem") and about middos refinement ("I won't get aggravated by all the guys who wanna get me irritated.") and love for HaShem ("It's our love for G-d that that ignites us."). Matisyahu sings ,
all my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
for the people to say
that we don't wanna fight no more
they'll be no more wars
and our children will play.
Jewish Hip Hop spreads a message of love and peace to the world, not just Jews. Anyway, the average American Jew won't listen to Miami Boys Choir or Mordechai ben David. This is music that speaks to their neshamos, even if it doesn't speak to yours. Moreover, while some of the commenters I've seen are complaining about the politics of some of these artists (Y-Love, but you could say the same of Eprhyme, too), they're positions should be clarified. They aren't saying Palestinians should bombs Jews out of Israel...rather they preach a sort of radical peace that you may not agree with, but is heartfelt and truly driven by a desire to bring the light of HaShem. They work with like-minded Moslem musicians to bring peace into the world. I don't totally buy into their position, but it is at least as intelligent as reflexively voting Republican or blanketly accepting everything any human government does as good.
And though you might not like this type of music, I think a lot of the songs I've heard are AWESOME!

(5)
Aliza,
June 27, 2011 5:00 PM

not watered down

Having been to a Matisyahu concert, I saw (and was amazed by) the tremendous Jewish diversity in the audience: secular, traditional, modern orthodox, even lots of charedi. And so many people knew the words. I think this kind of music has the opposite effect of secular music. We're so thrilled to have "cool" music that we're not embarrassed to listen to or sing along with. Lyrics that we can relate to, and have power and resonate with us. "One Day" brings tears to my eyes, it has such a powerful message.
I gently disagree with the previous commenter who thinks Matisyahu sold out. I have found his recent music to be just as spiritual as his early music.
I'm excited about all the new artists and the new music! I'm a music lover, and as an Orthodox Jew, I'm thrilled to finally be represented, and not have to worry if the lyrics of music I buy might be questionable or objectionable.

Anonymous,
June 28, 2011 9:23 AM

we should discuss this more as there are many good points

Wish we had clear Daas Torah as really what Hashem wants for us , seems to be the parah Dumah of the world before moshiach comes, makes tamei tahor impure - pure and pure - impure, i learned in yeshivah with Ylove and America hurts... Moshaich now! see my blog on facebook eli pmusic for more

Chaya,
June 28, 2011 5:46 PM

Aliza....

Matisyahu plays to mixed crowds... so I doubt Charedi Jews who know halacha were there. Second... don't miss understand he is EXTREMLY talented! His songs do have a message in them and they can have a positive influence. BUT... he is in NO WAY representing Orthodox Judaism! His "Channuka" video had him dressing up as Santa and had a girl in lingerie feeding someone grapes...GIVE ME A BREAK! Also he posted very inappropriate videos of himself on Youtube... him at the mixed beach, no shirt or kippa! He was not always like this, not when he came out anyways (just look at his clothes now). He is comfortable being "Orthodox" because it makes him "unique on the scene". If you say you’re representing Judaism then represent it correctly!

(4)
Salem,
June 27, 2011 4:58 PM

This is GREAT!

I want to know where this was when I was in High School! This is great! I think I have a new favourite musician! Music is such a great way to send a message, and muscians can set a powerful example. I am so happy to see more and more musicians that are proud of being Jewish.

(3)
Ann Brady,
June 27, 2011 3:15 PM

Boruch HaShem

Is not a great fire made of many small sparks brought together?

(2)
Chaya,
June 26, 2011 5:06 PM

SELL OUT...

Matisyahu is a 100% sell out!! I am not familiar with the other artists mentioned here so I cannot comment on them. When Matisyahu came out he was true to his beliefs and convictions. Anyone following his career can see a serious slide into the abyss that money and the secular music industry can pull you (example: his "Channuka” video anyone??). Just watch some of his Youtube videos and you will see exactly what I mean. Shame on you Matisyahu! You no longer represent the Orthodox Jewish way and you are just using it as your "gimmick" to be different on the scene. Be real… not a sell out!

(1)
R Klempner,
June 26, 2011 3:38 PM

YAY!

I've been a fan of many of these recording artists for a while and I'm so glad they are getting exposure on this wonderful site. They bring words of peace and Torah to the world in a away that will enter the contemporary neshama better than some other approaches that have been tried in the past.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
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